Traditional Tea

Oolong (Wulong) Tea

The elegant tea is sometimes known as the "champagne of teas". It has an amber appearance and peach-like essence. Originally grown in the Fukien province of China , it was first imported to England in 1869 by John Dodd. Today, the highest grade Oolongs (Formosa Oolongs) are grown in Taiwan. It is a fruity medium-bodied brew that combines attributes of both black and green tea varieties.

Recognized as the most fragrant of all varieties, oolong tea has a flavor that echos the freshness of green tea (only without the tinge of bitterness) and a rich aroma characteristic of black tea blends.

While black tea undergoes extensive fermentation, and green tea minimal withering and oxidation, the processing for oolong falls some where in the middle of these two varieties.

This semi-fermented tea is one of the most complicated to produce. The leaves are wilted in sunlight immediately after plucking and then are shaken (not broken) in bamboo baskets to slightly damage them and release the oils and other compounds.

The leaves are then dried until the edges turn a reddish hue. A firing or special heating process stops further oxidation, giving the brew its unique attributes. The leaves have the appearance of loosely twisted balls that may vary in color based on fermentation time.

Oolong tea is graded according to the harvest season, handling, and the quality of the leaves. Crops that are plucked during the summer months are the most consistent and stable, thereby producing the highest quality teas.

Types/Flavours

Ti Kuan Yin – delicate peach flavoring with nutty undertones

Tieguanyin – sweet to the palette

Shuixian – darker oolong that features a spicy flavor

Da Hong Poa – light and delicate

Fenghuang Dancong – flowery sweet taste

Darjeeling – a semi-fermented version of the traditional black tea variety

Benefits of Oolong Tea

Oolong tea has more polyphenols than black or green tea varieties, which have strong antioxidant properties to help protect against a variety of health conditions and disease. In addition, polyphenols may

• reverse signs of aging
• facilitate weight loss
• cause better skin condition
• maintain healthy teeth
• build a stronger immune system
• promote overall wellness

While the results of these and other studies are promising, talking with your doctor about the health benefits of oolong tea before adding the brew or other varieties to your daily diet is advisable.

A cup of oolong tea contains about half the caffeine of a cup of coffee. With such clarity, it is perfect for afternoon use with tea fare such as cucumber sandwiches and madelaines.

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